Keep it shiny and like new.
A clean car says a lot about its owner. But beyond first impressions, regular care of your vehicle’s exterior can help increase its longevity and value. So take a second to think about what you want to see—and take good care of your Volkswagen.
For a thorough cleaning of your car’s headlights, try 3M Headlight Restoration System or Lens Renewal Kit, available at your local VW dealership.
General
Remove any leaves and other debris that may have accumulated underneath your wipers and under your hood. This would also be a good time to inspect your wiper blades. If they appear damaged or if it’s been a while since you’ve had them replaced, consider scheduling a Genuine VW Wiper Blade Replacement.
Walk around your car to check for any chips or scratches in the paint—pay special attention to the bottom and front of your car. Even the smallest chip could become a rust spot if it’s not properly taken care of. Visit your Service Consultant at your local VW dealership for more information.
Rims and Wheels
Use a wheel brush to remove dirt with a gentle cleanser. Wash each wheel and tire one at a time and rinse thoroughly. Most car enthusiasts wash their rims and wheels before they start on the rest of the car. This way, any dirt that splashes onto the body of the car will be rinsed off in the main wash.
Of course, proper car care goes beyond clean wheels and tires. If your tire tread appears worn or if you suspect it’s time for a total tire replacement, schedule a service appointment at your local VW dealership.
Featured Accessories
15" Aspen Wheel
With a minimalist five-spoke design, the 15" Aspen Wheel exudes clean and classic elegance.
18" Montauk Wheel
With a modern design and diamond-cut accents, the 18" Montauk Wheel is as bold as it is beautiful.
Paint Care and Preservation
Wash your car regularly—at least once or twice a month—to clean off things like bugs, bird droppings, or salt. If not washed off in time, any of these things can leave permanent stains.
Rinse your car thoroughly to remove any loose dirt. Then start at the top with a microfiber or soft cloth and a gentle car cleaner. Rinse your car frequently, especially in hot weather. And don’t forget to dry it completely to avoid water spots.
Additional protection like waxing is advisable at the latest when water no longer pearls off the clean paint. Try 3M Quick Wax, available at your local VW dealership, for in-between touch-ups. We recommend applying our hard wax preservation twice a year, even if you regularly use a conventional wax preserver in an automatic car wash.
You can also turn to VW Accessories for some added support. Rear Bumper Protection Plates and Rear Bumper and Door Cup Paint Protection Film can come in handy on every drive.
To help prevent paint from being damaged:
- Do not treat matte-painted parts or plastic parts with polish or hard wax
- Do not polish the vehicle paintwork in a sandy or dusty environment
- This video shows you the proper materials and techniques to wash, wax and keep your vehicle looking showroom-new.
Windows
Clean windows—inside and outside—are very important to safe driving. Anything that’s stuck on your windshield can severely obstruct your vision, especially in combination with glaring sunlight during the day or headlights at night.
Wash off any bug remains, bird droppings, mud, dirt, salt, and even water spots, to make sure you see what’s in front, at your sides, and behind you. We suggest 3M Glass Cleaner, available at your dealer. Don’t forget to check your windshield washer fluid and to replace wiper blades should they appear damaged or ineffective.
For more information on exterior care and to purchase high-quality car care products from 3M, please visit your local VW dealership. And to show the inside of your VW the same love and dedication, check out our interior car care page for tips and recommendations.
Featured Accessories
Window Washer Fluid
Our Windshield Washer Solvent Concentrate can help keep your windshield free of road film, frost, grime, bug residue, and more.
Side Window Deflectors
Snug and easy to install, Side Window Deflectors are designed to help reduce in-cabin wind noise and air turbulence.
For more information on exterior care and to purchase high-quality car care products from 3M, please visit your local VW dealership. And to show the inside of your VW the same love and dedication, check out our interior car care page for tips and recommendations.
Splash Guards
Tested under extreme driving conditions, Splash Guards can help protect your VW from road debris.
